More than 350 feedback forms received for the Long Term Plan

The Ashburton District Council received 356 feedback responses on the Long Term Plan 2015 – 25 (LTP), with feedback being considered by Council later this month.

Feedback on the LTP closed at 5pm on Monday 11 May.

Of the 356 feedback forms received, 50 people indicated they want to present to Council in person between 26 and 27 May. These hearings are open to the public.

The process of reviewing the LTP occurs once every three years, with the last plan in 2012 receiving 312 submissions. Back then, 51 people chose to make their submission in person.

The majority of the submissions in 2012 focussed on the two major projects Council was undertaking in the coming three years – the Ashburton Art Gallery and Heritage Centre and the EA Networks Centre.

The consultation feedback summaries for this LTP are currently being processed. This involves staff collating information from the feedback which will then be distributed as summaries to the Mayor and councillors.

Mayor Angus McKay says he is pleased with the response to the LTP consultation.

"I'd like to thank everyone who took the time to give us their feedback about the proposals put forward for the district and how those proposals will be funded.

"It's so important that we hear from people during any public consultation process, otherwise we simply don't know what they think of the proposals. Whether people have been in agreement or not, we're appreciative they've told us what they think.

"It's also pleasing to see a good number wanting to present their views to us in person as this gives us the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about their ideas and/or suggestions. We look forward to hearing from them."

The people who indicated they wished to speak to Council on their submitted feedback will be contacted next week to arrange a time and day.

This year, eight community meetings were held of which 117 people attended, excluding Council staff and councillors. Six community meetings were held during the 2012 LTP consultation period.

Following consideration of all feedback, Council will make any further decisions which then informs the Long Term Plan 2015 – 25. The LTP takes effect on 1 July 2015.

In the proposed 10-year budget, Council has put forward an average rates increase of 6.5% for the 2015/2016 year, 3.8% for 2016/17 and 11.1% for year three. The increase in year three is driven by the cost of the new kerbside collection system (using wheelie bins instead of rubbish bags), which is budgeted at $2.1 million.

All feedback submitted to Council is public information and can be viewed on Council's website.